Schmoozing with the pretty people and Carlie Wong

Last week I was fortunate to have been invited to an exclusive invite-only fashion event at posh Opus Hotel to showcase the latest creations by local fashion designer, Carlie Wong.

If Carlie Wong sounds familiar, then it's probably because you've heard of her either from her stint on season 1 of Project Runway Canada, or from her numerous mentions in publications such as Elle Canada, Flare, Lou Lou and The Globe & Mail, OR you may have seen her fabulous creations on red carpet celebs like Kreesha Turner!

Carlie's namesake line is aimed at providing high class luxury wear for the confident, sophisticated woman. The current S/S 2010 collection features trends like exposed zippers, lace mini-dresses, body-hugging leather, and exposed backs. The lines are modern, edgy, and youthful. Frankly, I could picture myself wearing any of her items, as it is frankly MizzJ on a luxury budget all over!

The party at Opus was as stylish as Carlie's designs, with the entire Opus lounge space packed like a proverbial can of sardines. The music was pumping, the decor was sparking, the champagne was flowing, and the people were beautiful. It was so interesting watching the crowd for their outfits that at some moments I even forgot that there was a fashion show to watch! My only regrets from the night were that I didn't encourage my girl friend to hit on one of the male models post-show, and that I didn't take any party goer outfit shots. Oh well, maybe next time!

Me at the party trying to hide my schmoozing terror by finding a nice, quiet corner. Wearing: graphic tee (courtesy of T-Post), boyfriend blazer (Zara), leggings (Zara), black pumps (Aldo), bag (Michael Kors).

The models backstage pre-show. Loved the shiny gold lame material in use for this dress - so glam it hurts.

A lethal mask worn by the models.

My favourite items of the show were these sequined outfits. The shoulders kinda reminded me a bit of Balmain, and I loved the sharp, glint of the sequins and how they complemented the sharp lines and cutouts of the dresses.

So hot right?!

The spikes of the previous mask were echoed in these equally bad-ass shoulder pads, which were also recycled as knee pads on black leggings.

The radiant Carlie Wong post-show with her beautiful models.

Some of the fashionable people at the party, including Canada's Next Top Model contestant Fei Ren.

Love the cute cut-outs on this girl's dress! Such a sexy contrast to her girlishly clasped hands.

You can check out all of Carlie's work on her website and her designs are available at The Velvet Room Boutique, or Manuel Mendoza in Vancouver, as well as in store locations in Toronto and Quebec!

Also be sure to check out Carlie's (and mine) latest project, Hand Me Up upcoming soon!

All photos courtesy of Yvonne Chew except my photo.